CSS Pakistan Affairs Paper 2024
- Political stability remains and elusive concept in Pakistan. Explore the factors contributing to the fracture nature of Pakistan’s polity and discuss potential Reform to the constitutional and political structure that could Foster stability. (20 marks)
- Keeping in view the Socio-Political circumstances of the sub-continent, discuss the role of Sheikh Ahmed sarHindi (mujaddhid alf-e-saani) who revived Islamic ideology and established Muslim identity in the subcontinent. (20 marks)
- The democratization process in Pakistan is still weak and ambiguous. Do you consider dynasty politics and feudalism to be the major hindrances on the way of establishing a truly democratic system in Pakistan? Explain (20 marks)
- Global warming presents an existential threat to states like Pakistan. Examine the far-reaching impacts of global warming on Pakistan and propose a model of economic development that alliance with Environmental protection. (20 marks)
- How should Pakistan manage the equitable distribution of resources among different ethnic regions to address historical grievances and promote development across the country? (20 marks)
- In modern-day democracy they are must be a pragmatic civil-military relation to deal all the internal and external security threats. Analyse with reference to the role of Pakistan’s security and stability in South Asia. (20 marks)
- Since Independence, the most critical concern for internal security is National Integration. Discuss the role of constitutional provisions and enabling provincial autonomy and devolution of power to strengthen National Integration in Pakistan. (20 marks)
Summary of Questions:
Political stability remains an elusive concept in Pakistan. Explore the factors contributing to the fractured nature of Pakistan’s polity and discuss potential reforms to the constitutional and political structure that could foster stability.
Political instability in Pakistan stems from factors like military interventions, weak political institutions, ethnic divisions, corruption, and the concentration of power in a few political families. Frequent changes in government, lack of continuity in policies, and the dominance of the military in political affairs have further undermined democratic processes. Reforms such as strengthening democratic institutions, promoting decentralization of power, enhancing electoral transparency, and ensuring the rule of law could foster stability. Additionally, constitutional amendments that ensure political accountability and provincial autonomy might address regional disparities and promote unity.
Keeping in view the socio-political circumstances of the subcontinent, discuss the role of Sheikh Ahmad Sarhindi (Mujaddid Alf-e-Sani) who revived Islamic ideology and established Muslim identity in the subcontinent.
Sheikh Ahmad Sarhindi, also known as Mujaddid Alf-e-Sani, played a pivotal role in revitalizing Islamic ideology during the Mughal period. In response to the weakening of Islamic practices and the spread of heterodox movements, he emphasized the importance of traditional Islamic values, the revival of Sufism, and adherence to the principles of Shariah. His efforts in promoting Islamic unity helped solidify Muslim identity in the subcontinent, especially during a time of religious and political turmoil. His message laid the foundation for the eventual development of a distinct Muslim identity that contributed to the rise of the demand for a separate Muslim state later in the subcontinent’s history.
The democratization process in Pakistan is still weak and ambiguous. Do you consider dynasty politics and feudalism as major hindrances to the establishment of a true democratic system in Pakistan? Explain.
Dynasty politics and feudalism are significant barriers to true democracy in Pakistan. The dominance of political dynasties limits political competition and leads to concentrated power in the hands of a few families. This has resulted in entrenched patronage systems that undermine democratic institutions and reduce political accountability. Feudalism also perpetuates social and economic inequalities, limiting access to education, resources, and political participation for marginalized groups. These factors undermine the development of a merit-based political system and impede the effective functioning of democratic processes.
Global warming presents an existential threat to states like Pakistan. Examine the far-reaching impacts of global warming on Pakistan and propose a model of economic development that aligns with environmental protection.
Global warming poses serious threats to Pakistan, including the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, leading to water scarcity, increased frequency of floods, droughts, and extreme weather events. These environmental changes disrupt agriculture, damage infrastructure, and strain resources. To mitigate these impacts, Pakistan should adopt a sustainable model of economic development that emphasizes renewable energy, water conservation, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Promoting green industries, environmental education, and integrating climate policies with economic planning can help reduce the country’s carbon footprint and ensure long-term sustainability.
How should Pakistan manage the equitable distribution of resources among different ethnic regions to address historical grievances and promote development across the country?
To address historical grievances and promote development across Pakistan, it is crucial to ensure equitable resource distribution among ethnic and regional communities. This can be achieved by implementing a more inclusive and transparent approach to resource allocation, based on population size, regional needs, and contribution to the national economy. Strengthening the 18th Amendment’s provisions for provincial autonomy, encouraging regional development through investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and promoting local governance can help bridge the development gap and foster national integration.
In modern-day democracy, there must be pragmatic civil-military relations to deal with internal and external security threats. Analyze with reference to the role of Pakistan’s security and stability in South Asia.
In Pakistan, pragmatic civil-military relations are critical to maintaining internal and external security, especially given the complex geopolitical dynamics of South Asia. The military’s role in countering terrorism, managing relations with India, and safeguarding the nation’s borders is vital. However, civilian leadership must have control over defense and foreign policy decisions to ensure democratic accountability. Strengthening civilian institutions while maintaining a cooperative relationship between the civil and military leadership can help balance security concerns with democratic governance, contributing to Pakistan’s stability in the region.
Since Independence, the most critical concern for internal security is national integration. Discuss the role of constitutional provisions and enabling provincial autonomy and devolution of power to strengthen national integration in Pakistan.
National integration has been a persistent challenge in Pakistan, exacerbated by ethnic, linguistic, and regional divisions. The 1973 Constitution, along with the 18th Amendment, sought to address this by promoting provincial autonomy and devolution of power to local governments. By granting greater authority to provinces over matters like education, health, and natural resources, these constitutional provisions aimed to reduce feelings of alienation and marginalization. Strengthening these reforms and ensuring fair representation in political processes can foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity, crucial for promoting national integration and reducing regional tensions.